As winter approaches and daylight dwindles, young individuals eagerly look forward to winter camps. These camps provide an escape, personal growth opportunities, and the chance to build friendships. In this blog, we’ve curated top recommendations for three distinct winter camps tailored to a variety of teenage interests. Whether your child is an adventure enthusiast, adrenaline junkie, or budding leader, there’s a winter camp to suit their needs. From exciting sports activities to outdoor adventures and transformative leadership experiences, we’ve got your winter camp options covered.

Think Academy’s Top Picks of On-site Winter Camps

Sports Camps

Tailored for energetic teenagers, these winter camps provide an ideal platform to engage in thrilling activities like skiing, snowboarding, or other sports. Beyond fun, they foster physical fitness, resilience, and camaraderie amidst the beauty of winter.

Think Academy’s Pick: Ski & Snowboard: The Blue Angeles Youth Ski and Snowboard Camp

Blue Angel Snow was founded with the vision of providing children and teens in California an enriching opportunity to ski or snowboard. In a well-organized setting, participants can enjoy winter sports alongside friends and fellow enthusiasts. Their ski and snowboard instructors don’t just teach; they serve as mentors and mountain guides, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience. Catering to ages 8 through 16, we welcome all ability levels.

• Details about the Winter Camp
  • Website: https://blueangelsnow.com/
  • Dates & Times: January 20, 27, February 3, 10, 24 (no camp 2/17/24)
  • Locations: 
    • Southern California – Mountain High Ski Resort
    • Bay Area – Lake Tahoe Ski Resorts
  • Schedule: TBA 
    • https://blueangelsnow.com/southern-california-orientation-meetings/
  • Instructors’ Information: Not included.
• Registration Process:
  • Southern California: https://blueangelsnow.sportngin.com/register/form/487887177
  • Northern California: https://blueangelsnow.sportngin.com/register/form/023081999
• Costs & Payment Details
  • $1800 before 10/31/23 ($1940 after) *
    • Round-trip luxury bus transportation
    • 5 all-day lift tickets to Mountain High Resort
    • 5 Saturdays of instruction (approximately 9:30 am to 3:30 pm)
    • Adult supervision on & off the slopes
    • Lunch and snacks
    • Discounts on ski/snowboard equipment and rental packages
  • An additional charge of 3% + $1 will be added for all credit card payments. This fee will not be charged if you pay by check, Venmo or Zelle. Please contact us at info@blueangelsnow.com to make other payment arrangements.
• Contact Information
  • Phone: (858) 509-8926
  • Email: info@blueangelsnow.com

Adventure Camps

Designed for adventurous teenagers, these Adventure Camps offer the perfect setting to indulge in exhilarating activities like hiking and rock climbing, among other outdoor pursuits. More than just an adrenaline rush, these camps promote physical strength, tenacity and fellowship against the backdrop of nature’s grandeur. If your child has a passion for exploring the great outdoors and thrives on adventure-based activities, then these camps would be an excellent choice.

Think Academy’s Pick: Winter Camp at Forest Home

Winter Camp at Forest Home is designed to challenge, encourage, and engage junior high and high school students. Each activity during the weekend is purposefully designed to get them out of their everyday routines and challenge them into something more significant, more adventurous, and more intentional!

• Details about the Winter Camp:
  • Website: https://www.foresthome.org/camps-and-retreats/youth-winter-camp/
  • Dates & Times:
    • Every weekend from Jan 5, 2024 to Mar 3, 2024
    • https://www.foresthome.org/youth-winter-camp-dates/
  • Location: 40000 Valley of the Falls Dr. Forest Falls, CA 92339
  • Curriculum Overview:
    • Zip Lin
    • Big Swing
    • Laser Tag
    • Dance Party
    • Milkshakes
    • Fellowship
    • Worship
    • Solo Time
  • Instructors’ Information: https://www.foresthome.org/youth-winter-camp-dates/
• Registration Process: https://form.jotform.com/231085696715161
• Costs & Payment Details
  • Campers $299 
  • Counselors $189
• Contact Information
  • Sarah Bigham – Reservations Associate
    • Phone: (909) 389-4320
    • Email: sarahbigham@foresthome.org

Leadership/Service Learning Camps

Tailored for ambitious young individuals, these Leadership/Service Learning Camps offer a perfect environment to nurture leadership skills and participate in community service projects. Beyond just learning, they cultivate a sense of responsibility, empathy, and teamwork in the midst of real-world challenges. These camps not only provide rewarding experiences but also instill lifelong values that shape future leaders.

Think Academy’s Pick: Noble Academy – Harvard Model Congress Leadership Winter Camp

Immerse your child in a transformative 6-day experiential program meticulously crafted to empower young minds, encourage impactful initiatives, and tackle real-world issues head-on. Participants will have the privilege of embracing the unparalleled academic environment of Harvard University while witnessing the living legacy that has shaped countless leaders throughout history. Guided by experienced mentors from Harvard Model Congress, your students will develop practical skills in decision-making, problem-solving, and communication, setting them apart as exceptional leaders in their future endeavors.

• Details about the Winter Camp:
  • Website: https://theworldscholar.com/
  • Brochure: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Wyp6yhL9oyf6kZsSpujCtC4yBGIj3E7E/view
  • Dates & Times: 15-20 January 2024
  • Application Deadline: 15 November 2023
  • Location: Harvard University
  • Curriculum Overview:
    • Immersive Sessions in Harvard Classrooms by Student MentorsGuest Lecture by Harvard FacultyWorkshop + Collaborative AssignmentLunchField TripTour of Harvard
    • Schedule: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (All Days)
• Registration Process: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSciCxVsZVCdkWAGNvIq7j-uSnH74TNWei40-_oO2DIUhBthHg/viewform
• Costs & Payment Details
  • Early Bird Program Fee: USD 2,000
  • Early Bird Deadline: 15th October
  • Regular Program Fee: USD 3500
  • Covers academic fee during the Winter Camp at Harvard University, stay and meals for 7 nights and 8 days at Sheraton Commander Hotel, and airport pick-up and drop.
• Contact Information
  • Email: team@learnwithleaders.org

Arts Camps

Tailored for the creatively inclined, these arts camps provide a perfect setting to nurture and refine artistic abilities in music, drama, and visual arts. Beyond just honing skills, they foster creativity, self-expression, and camaraderie amidst the inspiring beauty of art.

Think Academy’s Pick: Little Fish Comic Book Studio Winter Camps

It offers in-person camps for ages 12 and up. Students will gain insights into the distinctive storytelling and artistic style of manga, also known as Japanese comics, by exploring a range of techniques and studying the works of master artists.

• Details about the Winter Camp:
  • Website:  www.lilfish.us/camps
  • Dates & Times: 12/18/23 – 12/22/23, 9am-3pm (15 Spots Left)
  • Location: 6822B EL CAJON BLVD., SAN DIEGO CA 92115
  • Curriculum Overview: 
    • Utilize pens, brushes, pencils, and other tools to craft a complete manga story on high-quality Bristol Board (11×17″)
    • Schedule: 9am-3pm
  • Instructors’ Information: https://www.lilfish.us/instructors

• Registration Process: https://www.lilfish.us/_files/ugd/a981e9_92984a246be6499fa6eb753effa8274b.pdf
• Costs & Payment Details
  • $295 for one session 
  • $265 if early registered by October 15th
• Contact Information: 
  • Email: LittleFishContactUs@gmail.com

Online Activities

STEM Activities

Designed for inquisitive teenagers, these STEM camps offer a perfect venue to delve into fascinating activities like science experiments, coding projects, engineering challenges, and math puzzles. More than just an engaging pastime, they promote intellectual growth, problem-solving skills, and collaboration amidst the excitement of discovery and innovation.

Think Academy’s Pick: LEGO Education – Middle School STEAM Skills

LEGO® Education solutions are designed to evolve with students, enhancing their confidence in STEAM subjects such as coding, robotics, and computer science. At the same time, they cultivate essential 21st-century skills like teamwork and critical thinking.

• Details about the products:
  • Website: https://education.lego.com/en-us/shop/middle/

Winter camps are more than just a break from school; they’re an opportunity for young individuals to discover their passions, hone their skills, and make lifelong memories. The sports camps, adventure camps, and leadership/service learning camps we’ve recommended offer a range of experiences, from skiing and rock climbing to leadership development at prestigious institutions. These winter camps provide the ideal environment for personal growth, building resilience, and forming lasting friendships. Winter is the perfect season to embark on a journey of self-discovery, adventure, and leadership, and these camps are the gateway to those incredible experiences.

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